Newcastle now believe they have a bonus addition already playing for them

Newcastle United are preparing for a big season.

Back in the Champions League, Newcastle will need to rotate much more in the coming campaign in order to deal with the increased schedule.

Whether or not Eddie Howe has the bodies in the squad to do that is up for debate of course but pre-season has offered some signs at more depth.

Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley have both impressed this summer and it appears the latter is seen as something of a bonus by insiders.

What Newcastle think of Lewis Miley ahead of new season

Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, those behind the scenes at St James’ Park believe the 17-year-old is a bonus addition to the squad.

With the teenager definitely staying at the club, it appears he will not be simply making up the numbers.

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Teammates are said to have been amazed by Miley’s development and the club even altered their plans to sign two midfielders to just one, such has been the academy graduate’s impact in training.

Alongside Sandro Tonali, Sean Longstaff, Elliot Anderson, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Joelinton, Howe now has plenty of options in what had previously been a fairly short-staffed area of the squad.

What a money saver

Given the club are working under FFP constraints this summer, having a young player they feel ready to make the step-up to regular senior football is a major boost.

While not to put too much pressure on such a young talent, Howe may now be able to invest what is left of the summer budget on other areas of the squad.

Tonali and Guimaraes are the only midfielders signed under PIF thus far, such has been the need to strengthen elsewhere.

In Miley, Anderson and Longstaff, Newcastle could have three academy graduates starring there and saving the club money.